Fairfax County’s Independent Living Project Recognized for Best
Practices Award

A program that helps older adults remain independent was recognized by
the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for winning a Commonwealth
Council on Aging 2009 Best Practices Award. The board honored ElderLink’s
Independent Living Project during its September 14 meeting.

The Independent Living Project is one of eight programs to win a Best
Practice Award from the council this year. The award criteria include
innovation, cost-effectiveness, ease of replication and impact on the
quality of life of older Virginians, their families and their caregivers.

The Independent Living Project offers a mix of classes and workshops to
help older people prevent falls, maintain health and fitness, and
increase their knowledge of services. The program takes place over six to
eight weeks. It includes:

exercise classes;

workshops on fall prevention and health;

consultation on medication management and home safety risks;

minor home safety modifications (grab bars, etc.).

The project has been offered in the Franconia, Springfield/Burke, Falls
Church and Annandale areas. A new program starts today in Springfield.
Call 703-324-7210, TTY 703-449-1186 for more information.

ElderLink’s Independent Living Project is a partnership program of the
Department of Family Services, Division of Adult and Aging Services,
Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, Fire and Rescue Department, Health
Department, Community and Recreation Services, Library Services,
Department of Transportation, Department of Housing and Community
Development, Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Department for the
Aging, Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Persons, Inova Health System, CVS/pharmacy, RPJ Housing, Alzheimer’s
Association, National Capital Area Chapter, and faith-based communities
in Fairfax County.

The Independent Living Project aligns with Fairfax County’s Fairfax 50+ Action Plan for a more "aging
friendly" Fairfax County.

Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of
disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request
this information in an alternate format, call Department of Family
Services' Fairfax Area Agency on Aging at 703-324-5411, TTY 703-449-1186.